Whatever you do, don't play at chesshere.com!

I agree with batgirl.

I clearly understand why you would be biased however, there are some really good online turn based and correspondence chess sites out on the web today. This type of chess is only just in its infancy.

Just to name a few:

1. http://www.ficgs.com/

2. http://www.schemingmind.com/

3. http://www.queenalice.com/

4. http://www.chess-knights.com/

5. http://www.chesscorner.net/

These are just a few (please note: I do not run or operate any of these sites).

I personaly prefer not to hide the fact these sites exsit, even though there are some bad ones out there as well.

This site is well on its way, to become something different, it promotes chess better than most and any site that promotes this type of chess should be supported.

--anyone4chess

Casan10 nailed it.  Absolutely true.  I have played over at GameKnot, and while they do have a strong UI (e.g. ability to annotate during a game, ability to record hypothetical moves that can be copied and pasted into private notes, conditional moves), it is a very dark interface and trying to get in touch directly with the main SysAdmin seems like it would be impossible.  Here, I feel like I "know" the owner of the site, and will get an answer to about any question from him or another SysAdmin on the site with a quick turnaround time.  Example:  if I emailed the SysAdmins here and asked about what they are working on, the *least* I would get is a response saying "we'll be posting it soon!".  On GameKnot, I would not get a response.  Note that I am not trying to bash GameKnot, because it is a good site, but this site is definitely warmer, more community friendly, and brighter.  As for the features mentioned earlier on GameKnot, I am sure chess.com will have all these eventually, for I am sure that very few chess sites in their infancy have had as much great features as this one.  I never thought I would care about the color scheme or size/type of pieces of a chess site, but this site is much brighter and more welcoming.  GameKnot is seems quick to terminate your free account if you step over the rules, but it seems like even the slightest infraction will punish you.  Example: when I first started there, I posted this picture as my avatar picture (it's from the Body Worlds tour (e.g. cadavers on display in an educational format)) and my free account was immediately terminated because I violated the rules...what violation?, I thought.  It was the whole "any picture that *could* be seen as offensive to others..." rule.  No warning, no email from the SysAdmin saying Hey Could You Change That Please? no nothing.  Just...out.  I *know* that Chess Servers don't grow on trees, so we're all trying to make money, I get that.  But to be so abrupt about it!  You think that would drive more people away.  Chess.com is a warm, welcoming community of chess players with great customer service and a great looking site!  Just keep on doing what you're doing, keep rolling out those great updates to the site, stay close in touch with the people (cheesy, but true), and you will gain loyal followers and watch those diamond memberships rise!

My oppinion could be a little less valid, since this is the first site in which I ever played chess ever.

But... One day, I searched the internet for a place to play chess. Found this site, which gave me what I wanted and more!. I've been around a few months, and I still haven't found one single reason to search other sites. I don't need more than this site gives me. And, if there are any bugs, I consider the orange "beta" word on the upper right part of the logo.

My skills have improved a lot. I found people who's ready to comment, help, chat, have fun... Including the very people who created it!!! Come on, guys, let's admit it. This site is just great.

This is hands down my favorite chess site, even though blitz chess is really basic, I like the feel of this site more than any other site. Chess here has a really ad-ridden interface and horrible connection, yahoo is filled with computer hacks, and game knot is the equivilant of a grave yard. This site is my personal fav. When i get the money I will by a premium account.

its natural for an 'advanced' site like chesshere to encounter tons of problems...

i think chess.com is still an infant compared to chesshere in terms of site advancement and technicality...

lets wait and see how chess.com face the same difficulties that chesshere is having now once it reach the level where chesshere currently is...

.... then, we'll talk again.. 

I whole-heartily concur! Yet this site manager is trying get up to speed as fast as possible. Suggestions are welcomed, but can be only implemented a little at a time. With such strong interest here I am sure it will be a top rated site in the long term.  I have played at all the sites aforementioned and more that are out there. If involvement can conquer "bad formats", I am sure many (can't please everyone) will want to make chess.com succeed!